116 Wishes Fulfilled and Counting!
Find an attitude of gratitude at Pine Run as associates fulfill resident wishes at this annual event. Making Their Day! is integral to the Pine Run service philosophy every day, but on this day it goes much further. Cars are washed and vacuumed, walk-in closets organized, completing whatever reasonable chore that would put a smile on a villager’s face is the goal. Honoring them and making those meaningful connections sparkle is the purpose.
Hear how it affected these participants.
From Gigi Cox-Malescio, RN, Pine Run Director of Nursing:
“Ceil, I just want to say thank you for organizing such a great day. I have always told my daughters about Pine Run’s commitment to senior living and the senior population- today I was able to show her first hand Pine Run’s service philosophy. This opportunity MADE MY DAY, my daughter and I cleaned two ovens and conversed with two amazing women (Pat Fey and Pat Marshall). PINE RUN PROUD. Thank you for the opportunity to share this meaningful experience with her.”
From Leah Gilboa Hill, Para-Rabbi, Certified Chaplain:
After she completed her two wish fulfillments, visiting and removing a stain from a villager’s carpet and assisting another by washing her outdoor furniture, patio and tidying up the trees, she joined in the car washing fun alongside an awesome crew and saw the smiling faces of the villagers…
“I have not had my car cleaned in 2 years!”
“Thank you so much for cleaning the inside! I was not expecting this!”
“You are going to vacuum my back seat too???”
After we read the psalm I asked the group what they were grateful for…
One by one they all told me that they are grateful for Pine Run!
They feel that the staff goes above and beyond for them.
They feel safe.
They feel cared for.
One person was grateful to God for leading her and her husband to Pine Run.
I was moved to tears as I shared with them that I was grateful for them and for Pine Run and for the opportunity to serve!
I challenged them all to give gratitude each day until we meet again in 2 weeks and they seemed happy to take on the challenge.
This wonderful day of testimony was not over. As I sat in the parlor with my phone to write a few emails…
A nice gentleman sat next to me and we started to talk. He expressed to me how happy he was today! His wish came true (far beyond his expectations!)
Soon other people joined in and were all talking excitedly about their wishes that were fulfilled, about the simple joy of the ice cream truck visit! “I have not felt this excited about ice cream since I was a child!”
Everyone’s spirits were lifted; discomfort forgotten for a minute, giddiness was in the air.
One person shared with me that she thought her wish was ‘too much’ but they came and did it and she feels like a new person! (Helping her organize her closet…)
And a big surprise for me was the person who wanted her outdoor furniture washed and her view of the trees improved. She found me in the parlor and gave me a big hug as she told me: “You have no idea how much it means to me…”
I feel like I am the lucky one! I am able to use my body and do for them what, I am sure; they wish they could do for themselves!
It was a wonderful day at Pine Run and I feel grateful to have taken part of it!